Exercise Surya Kiran can be termed as the hallmark of long standing strategic ties between India and Nepal.

PITHORAGARH: The 13th edition of bilateral annual military Exercise Surya Kiran, between India and Nepal Army commenced on Wednesday at Pithoragarh.

The aim of exercise is joint training of troops in counter insurgency/ counter terrorism operations in both jungle & mountainous terrain and disaster management. Exercise Surya Kiran can be termed as the hallmark of long standing strategic ties between India and Nepal. Indian Army is represented by 13th Battalion The Jammu and Kashmir Rifles (KARGIL) while the Nepal Army is represented by the Gorakh Box Battalion.

An important aspect of this edition of the exercise is the participation of one lady officer and eight women soldiers of the Nepal Army for the first time ever. Three lady officers of Indian Army are also part of the exercise.

As part of the exercise important lectures, demonstrations and drills related to counter insurgency, counter terrorism operations and disaster management will be conducted. Both the Armies will also share their valuable experiences in countering such situations as also refined drills and procedures for joint operation wherever the need so arises.

The culmination of exercise will be done with a 72 hours joint exercise which will show the joint skills of soldiers while conducting any counter terrorist operation.